‘A File Won’t Move Without Money’ – Expectations for every small task and even greater delays.
In a people’s government elected by the people and for the people, the arbitrary behavior of some officials is reportedly crossing all limits. Their alleged corruption in the district is becoming a topic of discussion day by day. A situation has reportedly arisen where even a small task will not move forward without money. Work for those who do not pay is allegedly delayed by making them run around government offices under various pretexts. Officials are said to be extracting money either directly or indirectly. There are allegations that officials who are expected to perform their duties transparently have set daily and monthly targets and are competing with one another in amassing illegal wealth. By taking advantage of the powers vested in them and exploiting loopholes in the law, they are allegedly acting as though whatever they do is unquestionable.
● The people’s suffering is beyond description.
As officials who are expected to perform their duties selflessly allegedly demand money for every small task, strong resentment is reportedly growing among the public. Many ordinary people have expressed anguish, saying they do not understand why officials who receive salaries in the tens of thousands or even lakhs every month still expect money from common citizens. Allegations are being heard that, from village-level and mandal-level officials to district-level officials, some are viewing every task purely from a financial angle. Many complain that the work of those who do not pay is delayed for weeks, months, or even years. Some officials are reportedly getting work done through middlemen, while others allegedly complete tasks within moments for those who pay immediately. Readers are aware that, in recent times, several sarpanches and leaders from the ruling party have even held press conferences to publicly expose alleged corruption by officials.
● A major challenge for the people’s government.
Although the Congress government claims to be a people’s government, many political analysts believe that, in practice, it remains far removed from the people. In a people’s government, governance and services are expected to reach citizens through officials. However, there is criticism that officials, who should act as a bridge between the government and the people and discharge their responsibilities fairly and honestly, are acting contrary to that role. In particular, there is growing discussion that illiterate and innocent people in rural areas, as well as farmers, are being subjected to severe hardship, making it the ‘Talk of the District’. Facts are reportedly emerging that some officials are failing both in providing honest services to the people and in remaining accountable to the people’s government. Allegations are also gaining momentum that the government, for the sake of vote-bank politics, is turning a blind eye to the conduct of officials. There is even a perception that public warnings claiming officials have the power to bring down governments may be putting the people’s government under pressure.
● People’s attitude must change; they must learn to question.
Every citizen has the right to receive services from government offices free of charge. The idea that such services must be bought with money should be abandoned. People should clearly understand which official is responsible for which task. Instead of pleading with officials to get work done, everyone should adopt a questioning attitude. If officials in the concerned departments fail to perform their duties, complaints should be made to higher authorities. If there is undue delay, people should obtain a written explanation from officials stating why the delay is occurring. If they are harassed for money, they should approach Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials if necessary. Officials who are entrusted with public service should not forget their fundamental duty to perform their responsibilities with commitment. The situation can be understood from allegations that some officials are even exploiting loopholes in the law and the advantages available to them to mislead the courts. Ultimately, let us hope that the benefits of the freedom envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi will be realized only when there is a positive change in the conduct of officials in public administration.